Deploring the Past
Some people consider this poem as a suicide note of Qu Yuan.This poem summarized the bitter political experience he had.Because of the slander of the base persons and the stupidity of the emperor，he never realized his political ambition.Deeply deploring this，he expressed his last choice to die.
The emperor had confidence in me in the past.
He once ordered me to fully rectify the politics.
Ancestors'merits were inherited and people were shone by their light.
Laws were clearly explained and the right-wrong-doubts were removed.
The country became stronger with laws being elaborately made.
Entrusted by the emperor I made inspection tours everywhere.
I was busy with state affairs diligently and wholeheartedly.
I once made mistakes but cannot be considered incapable.
I'm honest and simple but I've never divulged any secrets.
Yet I am still defamed，envied and laughed at nevertheless.
The emperor hated and treated his subjects unfairly.
The question of right or wrong I don't want to clarify.
The emperor is wise but unfortunately is deceived.
The empty talks made him commit great mistakes.
He neither examined affairs nor discerned right and wrong.
He thoughtlessly drifted apart from and demoted loyal men.
He readily believed slanderous talks and flattering words.
He acted on impulses and let people blamed for nothing.
I am a subject loyal and honest without any crimes.
But why am I often slandered and finally demoted？
I am honest and loyal as sunshine and moonlight.
But I can only hide in the remote and dark places.
I've come close to the abyss of Yuanshui River and Xiangshui River.
But how can I have the heart to jump into water with a wrong？
This would lead to a result that I die with all my reputations lost.
It's a pity the muddled emperor cannot make a fair judgment.
The emperor is lack of standard to observe the lower levels.
The fragrant grasses are therefore cast into the deepest swamp.
But how can I express my true feelings and display honesty？
And how can I also avoid dragging out an ignoble existence？
Obstacles covered and blocked the right way.
Every devoted subject didn't know how to do.
It was said Bailixi was once captured.
Yiyin once cooked food in the kitchen.
Lvwang once butchered livestock in Zhaoge.
Ningqi sang songs while he was feeding cows.
If we didn't worship Shang Tang，Zhou Wu，Qi Huan，and Qin Mu，
How can we ever know all about the good things they did？(https://www.daowen.com)
King of Wu believed slanders and didn't make a careful judgment.
Wu Zixu was ordered to suicide with hidden dangers coming endlessly.
Jie Zitui was loyal but he died of self-burning.
Jin Wen was awakened and searched him.
He ordered to close Mount Jie and strictly prohibited firewood-chopping.
He could not pay a debt of gratitude to him except for doing this way.
When thinking about my close friend I put on a white mourning apparel.
I could hardly prevent my face from being completely covered with tears.
Some people are honest and loyal and die for integrity
While others are deceitful but never suspected anyway.
The emperor refused to make investigation and seek reality.
He only believed slanders and unfounded，fabricated words.
Fragrance and foul smells are completely mixed up.
Who can make careful investigations day and night？
Why do fragrant grasses always get withered very early？
Everyone should be vigilant about the light frost coming.
The monarch was deceived with discerning ability lost.
This made the slanderers and toadies keep the weather.
Base persons are always jealous of wise and capable men.
They say hui grasses and duruo cannot be used as decoration.
Ugly persons are jealous of the graceful postures of beauties.
Momu was ugly but she thought she was the most charming one.
Even though Xishi was a peerless beauty，
She was still defeated by the ugly persons.
I wish to state my actions and express my feelings.
But I am treated as a sinner with my heart broken.
It is as clear as the brilliant sun that I am unjustly treated.
It is like that stars have already been given fixed locations.
I drive a good horse and run speedily on a long way.
Although I have no rein yet I can make it by myself.
Sitting on a little bamboo raft I float down the stream.
Paddling boat with no quant I only rely on my wisdom.
Some people act against laws only relying on their own.
Their behaviors are just like what I am doing at present.
I would rather die suddenly and float with streams，
For fear the state should suffer disasters in my life.
I'll throw myself into the river before finishing my words.
It's too bad that the emperor misjudged my faithful heart.